1980 De Tomaso Longchamp vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 De Tomaso Longchamp. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 De Tomaso Longchamp would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 De Tomaso Longchamp is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 De Tomaso Longchamp (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 De Tomaso Longchamp should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 De Tomaso Longchamp weights approximately 695 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1980 De Tomaso Longchamp (481 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 De Tomaso Longchamp will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 De Tomaso Longchamp | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Lotus |
| Model | Longchamp | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 481 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2440 mm |
